Deputy City Solicitor - Right To Know Unit

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The City of Philadelphia Law Department acts as general counsel for the entire City government structure. We provide legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions concerning any matters related to the exercise of their official powers.

The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. We employ more than 220 attorneys and 100 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce legal liability for the City, and challenge threats to quality of life impacting the taxpayers of Philadelphia.

We are an ever-evolving Department where all are empowered to reach their full potential, to collaborate with clients as true partners, and to see their work have real impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents whom we serve and promote an environment of comradery, accountability, and inclusiveness.

The Right-to-Know Unit of the Compliance & Legislation Group is a collegial, fast-paced, challenging practice group that bridges both litigation and transactional practice in which attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to independently manage a high-volume caseload of Right-to-Know requests and appeals, and provide related legal guidance to all City departments, offices, and boards.

Job Description

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks a Deputy City Solicitor for the Compliance & Legislation Group’s Right to Know Unit. Responsibilities include advising all City departments, offices, and boards on legal issues concerning the Right-to-Know Law, and various other laws concerning privacy, confidentiality, and the release of public records. The Unit also provides guidance on record retention in coordination with the primary Law Department division that represents a particular department and the Litigation Unit. Strong analytical, negotiation, research, persuasive writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential; 5+ years in practice with litigation experience, including eDiscovery experienced, are strongly preferred.

Essential Functions

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Advising and representing the City of Philadelphia in all matters relating to the Right-to-Know Law, as well as other related laws and matters.
• Working closely with clients to assure compliance with applicable law.
• Communicating with City business stakeholders and subject matter experts, vendors, and others with interest in the release of public City records and information.
• Reviewing records and providing legal advice on the public release of records.
• Researching issues and drafting memoranda and other documents relating to the City’s obligations under the Right-to-Know Law and other related laws.
• Representing the City on appeals of Right-to-Know Law requests and related litigation.
• Advising the City on document-retention matters.
• Conducting research and analyzing legal issues.
• Interpreting City, State, and Federal laws, rulings, and regulations.
• Reviewing, evaluating, and periodically updating form and training documents to account for changes in the law and improvement of the quality and organization of these documents.
• Training City employees and officials and Open Records Officers on compliance with the Right-to-Know Law.
• Negotiating, reviewing, and drafting settlement and confidentiali